Interpreting Literature Session I Class Summary 11/19/14

with Angela Harris

Analysis Chapters 1-3

Man using a tefillin

After an open notebook quiz on our new novel's background and author (Chaim Potok) we discussed chapters 1-3. Please make sure to add the following words to your Vocabulary Glossary (and define):

kippah
kosher
tefillin

Don't forget to read the introduction in the Glencoe Guide for each set of chapters. I aways put the exact page number of the Glencoe Guide that you need to read on the syllabus. The syllabus has been up-dated to reflect our new schedule due to the missed class. You can find it on the Community Page of Gathering Ink.

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Essays for Session I

Since we spent some time last class understanding the Torah, we read through a handout on the Talmud (what it contains and its history). The Talmud plays a significant role in "The Chosen" so we want to have at least a basic understanding of what it is and its history. We also viewed two maps, one of ancient Babylon and one of modern day Iraq. Last week we "mapped" New York City's five Boroughs and the Borough of Brooklyn. I'll introduce a new map each week based on our reading.

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The Talmud and Maps

Exploratory essay writing is much more challenging than personal response essays, but I have faith in our students. I will be providing feedback on their individual essays by next week. The following excerpt from one of our handouts is an excellent reminder of what's involved in writing open essays (we're writing a combination of exploratory and investigative). Refer to these descriptions whenever you're feeling confused! Remember: any questions...just ask!

The Open Form Essay >>>>>>>> Tells a story instead of solving a problem. These essays are descriptive and the structure is loose and less predictable. (ex. Letters from the Editor in magazines)

• Thesis is not an explicit statement
• Organized chronologically or by theme
• Follows a narrative thread instead of supporting an announced point (uses personal experience or anecdotes)
• They have a focus, but the focus might be the theme in a work of literature or might explore ways to solve a problem without arriving at a final answer
• Tries to connect at an emotional level
  

Investigative Essay Writing >>>>>>>> Part open and part closed, but leans toward open form

• Organized around a problem or question, instead of a thesis
• Examines all aspects of the problem without favoring one over the other
• Uses anecdotes and experience to describe the problem’s significance
• Doesn’t reach a conclusion or express an opinion
• Emphasizes that the problem needs to be studied further

Adapted from “Help for High School” from Brave Writer by Julie Bogart

Reminder: Homework

The syllabus is up-dated, but if you need a reminder, homework due by our next class on 12/3 is:

• Read pg. 16 in GSG and add words to Vocab Glossary
• Read chapters 4-7 in "The Chosen"
• As you read, complete “Active Reading” from pg. 17 in GSG
• Exploratory Essay: What are the positive and negative aspects of having a photographic memory? Cover all angles of the issue without telling us which side you lean towards. You do not have to resolve the issue, only explore it. Feel free to draw connections to the novel. Danny had a photographic memory and was thought to be particularly brilliant. What might be some positive aspects of this gift? What might not be so great about it? Remember to do some research on the topic, cite your sources, and "talk to me" about your findings. Have fun learning something new!